Three counts of tried homicide have been introduced in opposition to Dharmesh Patel, a radiologist from Pasadena, California, when his automotive crossed Satan’s Slide in January whereas he, his spouse, and their two youngsters have been inside.
Mr. Patel, 42, has requested admission to a psychological well being remedy and entered a not responsible plea. The accusations could be withdrawn, and as soon as he completed the remedy program, the courtroom would approve the request and launch him.
In accordance with native experiences, throughout Mr. Patel’s trial on Thursday, two physicians who have been testifying on behalf of the protection stated that he was going by way of a psychotic episode on the time of the incident and thought that his youngsters may very well be being trafficked for intercourse.
The Mercury Information says that his hallucinations have been linked to worries about Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was charged with working a intercourse trafficking operation involving minor women when he dedicated himself in incarcerated.
The physicians testified that previous to the tragedy, Mr. Patel additionally had fantasies concerning the fentanyl subject and Russia’s involvement within the battle in Ukraine.
The prosecution, based on San Mateo County District Legal professional Stephen Wagstaffe, introduced extra physicians who decided that Mr. Patel suffers from schizoaffective dysfunction, which suggests the remedy plan wouldn’t work.
In accordance with Mr. Wagstaffe, Mr. Patel shouldn’t be allowed to proceed with the initiative.
Mr. Wagstaffe stated to The Unbiased, “You’ve got an officer, not like if you’re placed on probation or parole.” You don’t have that in any respect with psychological well being diversion. It’s not topic to any monitoring.
Decide Susan Jakubowski will attempt Mr. Patel if she decides to assist Mr. Wagstaffe. Mr. Patel might keep in a remedy program for as much as two years earlier than being freed if his request is accredited. It’s anticipated that the courtroom will make a ruling within the subsequent weeks.
A tumble down the precipitous cliff on California’s Freeway 1, simply south of San Francisco, “miraculously” spared Mr. Patel, his spouse, their nine-year-old son, and their four-year-old daughter on January 2, 2023. In accordance with police, the Tesla flipped many occasions earlier than coming to relaxation on its wheels and turning into jammed in opposition to the rock only a few meters from the water.
Brian Pottenger, a battalion chief with Coastside Hearth Safety District/Cal Hearth, stated on the time, “We go there on a regular basis for automobiles over the cliff they usually by no means stay.” “There was really a miracle right here.”
In severe situation, all 4 relations have been admitted to the hospital. The 2 youngsters, who had musculoskeletal accidents, have been pulled out of the car through the rear window. In comparison with their youngsters, Mr. Patel and his spouse had extra extreme accidents.
Prosecutors accused Mr. Patel of trying homicide after the collision, utilizing witness accounts and on-the-scene video.
Whereas she was being flown from the accident, Mr. Patel’s spouse, Neha Patel, reportedly admitted to the paramedics that “he tried to kill us.” Later, courtroom paperwork confirmed that she had additionally talked about Mr. Patel’s despair.
He departed in his automotive. Ms. Patel stated, “He’s depressed.” He declared his intention to drive over the cliff. He deliberately left. However a month later, his spouse instructed Mr. Patel’s protection lawyer, she didn’t need him to be charged.
Previous to the accident, Mr. Patel was employed at Windfall Holy Cross Medical Middle in Mission Hills, Pasadena, as a radiologist. Primarily based on his web biography, Mr. Patel is a medical practitioner with over a decade of expertise, having graduated from Wayne State College Faculty of Drugs in Michigan.